Device for stimulating adaptive thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue

ABSTRACT

A garment is provided which comprises (a) a first portion constructed from stretchable material that is form fitting to a user&#39;s physique and that extends across any of the following body segments of the user; the collar bone, the neck, the upper spine, the armpit area; and (b) a cooling composition disposed in said first portion, said cooling composition comprising a material that may or may not undergo a phase change to apply a cooling effect to the collar bone area of the user.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No.61/318,990, which was filed on Mar. 30, 2010, which has the same title,and which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to devices for exercise,physical therapy or weight loss, and more particularly to a garmentadapted to stimulate adaptive thermogenesis in brown adipose tissues.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

It is often desirable for athletes or individuals undergoing training,physical therapy, or a weight loss regimen to include resistance in anexercise or therapy session. To this end, various devices and types ofwearing apparel have been developed over the years that incorporateweight into their designs. By inclusion of weight into the garmentitself, the wearer can enjoy the benefits of weight resistance withoutthe inconvenience associated with ankle weights, dumbbells, sandbags andother such separate accessories.

One example of a garment of the foregoing type is disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 5,144,694 (Daoud et al.), entitled “Exercise Apparel and WeightPackets”. The garment disclosed therein includes a vest, pants, spinestrap, belt, wrist bands, ankle bands and weight packets. The weightpackets include plural rows and plural columns of weight members thatare installed in pockets, and the pockets are positioned to distributethe weights about the wearer's body. The placement of the weights issolely maintained by the snugness of the garment's fit to the wearer'sbody.

Another example of the foregoing type of garment is the exercise vestdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,937,441 (Raines). This weighted exerciseand therapeutic vest, when worn by a person involved in either athletictraining, physical therapy or a weight reduction program, enhances thebenefits of the activity undertaken. The vest has a snug, form-fittingdesign that clings snugly to the wearer's body, and may be constructedwith pockets or other receptacles into which weights may be inserted.

The vest described in Raines represents a notable improvement in the artover previously known exercise vests in that its unique constructionprovides sufficient support to the applied weights to fix theirplacement relative to the wearer. This is accomplished through (a) theuse of material that resists stretch in one direction while facilitatingstretch in another; (b) the inclusion of support straps as an integralcomponent of the vest's construction that join one or more weightcompartments in which the weight packets are contained (by continuouslyconnecting the strap to the vest along the entire length of the strap,the load of the weight packet may be distributed across the body of thevest); and (c) the utilization of a rubberized coating applied to atleast portions of different components that are positioned intoface-to-face engagement during use (the friction experienced between thetwo rubberized surfaces resists slippage of the weighted portions withrespect to the suit and the body of the person wearing it).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a first particular, non-limiting embodimentof an exercise or therapeutic garment/device in accordance with theteachings herein.

FIGS. 2-3 are illustrations of a second particular, non-limitingembodiment of an exercise or therapeutic garment/device in accordancewith the teachings herein.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of some particular, non-limiting embodimentsof cooling packs which may be utilized in the garments and devicesdescribed herein.

FIGS. 5-8 are illustrations of a third particular, non-limitingembodiment of an exercise or therapeutic garment/device in accordancewith the teachings herein.

FIGS. 9-12 are illustrations of a fourth particular, non-limitingembodiment of an exercise or therapeutic garment/device in accordancewith the teachings herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although the device of U.S. Pat. No. 5,937,441 (Raines) represents anotable advance in the art, this device was designed primarily as aweight-bearing vest for exercise or therapy, and hence does not addressother needs of users. In particular, while such a device may be used toachieve weight loss in the same manner that any other type of exercisedevice may be utilized for that purpose, it does not, for example,directly enhance the underlying physiological processes that contributeto weight loss and enhance physical fitness. There is thus a need in theart for devices and methodologies which address this infirmity.

It has now been found that the aforementioned needs may be met throughthe provision of a garment, apparel or other device which permits thethermal stimulation of brown adipose tissues in the body of the user.Such tissues are concentrated, for example, beneath the collar bones,the neck, upper spine, and armpit. Research suggests that it is possibleto stimulate adaptive thermogenesis (that is, the generation of energythat the body uses in maintaining a normal body temperature) in suchtissues within just 2 hours in a 60° F. room. The devices andmethodologies disclosed herein make advantageous use of this discoveryby using embedded or incorporated thermo-regulating devices, such ascooling packs, to maintain the brown adipose tissues of a user in astate conducive to adaptive thermogenesis. By way of example, anexercise vest or garment may be made in accordance with the teachingsherein which has cooling packs incorporated into a portion thereof thatextends over the collar bones, the neck, upper spine, and armpits of theuser. The cooling packs may be selected, for example, to maintain atemperature of 58° F. for 3 to 4 hours, and are held snugly in place bythe construction of the vest. Various cooling packs offering differinglevels of coolness may be selected as thermo-regulating inserts or maybe built into the garment.

Studies in animals indicate that brown adipose tissue is important inthe regulation of body weight. Indeed, it is possible that individualvariations in adaptive thermogenesis can be attributed to variations inthe amount or activity of brown adipose tissue. Until recently, thepresence of brown adipose tissue was thought to be relevant only insmall mammals and infants, and was believed to be of negligiblephysiologic relevance in adult humans. However, recent research reportedin the New England Journal of Medicine (Wouter et al., “Cold ActivatedBrown Adipose Tissue in Healthy Men, N. Engl. J. Med. 360:15 (Apr. 9,2009)) suggests that brown adipose tissue may be metabolicallyimportant, and the fact that it is reduced yet present in mostoverweight or obese subjects may make it the target for the treatment ofobesity.

The devices and methodologies disclosed herein make advantageous use ofthe foregoing findings by providing a means to thermally regulate brownadipose tissues in a subject during a workout or therapy session. Inparticular, the devices and methodologies disclosed herein provide ameans by which the brown adipose tissues (as well as surroundingtissues, fluids, or other body masses) in a user may be subjected to acooling effect which is believed to be advantageous for achieving weightloss through adaptive thermogenesis.

FIG. 1 depicts a first particular, non-limiting embodiment of athermogenetic garment made in accordance with the teachings herein. Thegarment 180 depicted therein is an exercise vest which is similar inmany respects to the vest disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,937,441 (Raines),which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Thus, thegarment 180 comprises an upper portion 178 that extends over the collarbones of the user, and a lower portion 184 that extends across the chestof the user. The material of the upper portion 178 is preferablyconstructed to permit stretching in lateral or horizontal directions,but to resist vertical stretching. The upper portion 178 has embeddedtherein one or more cooling packs (which may comprise, for example, oneor more materials that undergo a phase change) which are adapted toprovide a cooling effect to the collar bone area of the user.Preferably, the cooling packs are adapted to maintain a temperature of58° F. for 3 to 4 hours. However, it will be appreciated that variousmaterials (including solids, liquids, or gas) may be selected for thispurpose that provide a cooling effect which is characterized bydifferent durations and temperatures (or ranges of temperatures). Theduration of cooling and the characteristic temperature or temperaturerange may be chosen based on the desired application.

The garment 180 in this particular embodiment has a lower portion 181which is optionally equipped with a plurality of cooling pack pockets182 or other thermo-regulating devices that are arranged generally abouta lower portion of the garment 180. The specific configuration of thecooling pack pockets 182 may vary from one embodiment to another. Eachof the cooling pack pockets 182 may have a cooling pack insertedtherein, with the number of cooling packs and cooling pack pockets 182utilized being chosen to achieve a desired cooling effect for the vest.

To facilitate use of the vest, a zipper 181 is provided at thefront-center of the garment 180. A plurality of loops 183 are alsoprovided at the sides of the garment 180 to further assure that thegarment 180 fits snuggly and is variably adjustable. The loops 183receive a cinch string 185 that may be tightened or loosened toaccommodate the particular wearer's body size and to customize the fitof the garment 180.

The garment 180 in this particular embodiment may be further equippedwith a set of optional anchor straps 187 to anchor the weighted garment180 against upward movement with respect to the wearer. Alligator-typeclips 189 are provided at terminal lower ends of the anchor straps 187for releasably fixing the straps 187 to another article of clothing ofthe wearer. By way of example, these clips 189 may be used to clip theanchor straps 187 to the waistband of a pair of shorts or pants. Ofcourse, it will be appreciated that the garment 180 is not limited tothe use of the foregoing clips 189 and straps 187, and that othersuitable means may be utilized that achieve a similar end.

FIGS. 2-3 depict a second particular, non-limiting embodiment of athermogenetic garment made in accordance with the teachings herein. Thegarment 201 depicted therein comprises a lower portion 203, an upperportion 205 and a zipper 207 (see FIG. 2) which bisects the garment 201along a vertical axis. The upper portion 205 is equipped with aplurality of compartments 209, each of which is designed to hold athermo-regulating device 211 (see FIG. 4). These compartments 209 may bepermanently sealed, or may be equipped with a zipper or fastener toallow the thermo-regulating devices 211 to be inserted, removed orreplaced. The upper portion 205 of the garment 201 comprises an innerportion 213 which is preferably equipped with a cooling gel layer, andan outer portion 215 which includes the compartments 209.

The lower portion 203 of the garment 201 may have a construction whichis the same as, or different from, the upper portion 205. For example,in some embodiments, the lower portion 203 of the garment 201 may alsobe equipped with a plurality of compartments 209 designed to holdthermo-regulating devices 211. Alternatively, the compartments 209 inthe lower portion 203 may be used to hold weights or a material, such assand or metal particles, which add weight or resistance to the garment201.

Various materials may be used in the construction of the garment 201.Preferably, the garment is equipped with a base material comprising aone-way stretch fabric, such as the fabrics based onpolyurethane-polyurea copolymers sold under the trade names LYCRA® andSPANDEX®. The garment is also preferably equipped with a top or outermaterial which preferably comprises one or more synthetic rubbers.Suitable materials of this type include the fabrics based onpolychloroprene which are sold under the trade name NEOPRENE®.

FIG. 4 illustrates some particular, non-limiting examples ofthermo-regulating devices 211 which may be utilized in the garment ofFIGS. 2-3. These devices, which may be the same as or different from thecooling packs described with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 1, aredesigned to fit inside of suitably sized pockets provided in the upperportion 205 of the garment 201, and are preferably designed to lay flatagainst the body of the user. The thermo-regulating devices may becustom shaped (see 211 a), and may have a single compartment (see 211 b)or multi-compartment (see 211 c) structure. Moreover, while thethermo-regulating devices are preferably adapted to provide a coolingeffect, embodiments are also possible in which these devices provide aheating effect.

FIGS. 5-8 illustrate another particular, non-limiting embodiment of athermogenetic garment made in accordance with the teachings herein. Thegarment 301 depicted therein comprises a lower portion 303 that extendsover the neck and shoulder blades of the user, and an upper portion 305that extends around the neck of the user. A seam 307 equipped with ahook and loop type faster, zipper, or other suitable releasable fasteneris provided to allow the garment 301 to be readily positioned on, orremoved from, the body of the user.

As shown in FIGS. 7-8, in some variations of this embodiment, anauxiliary portion 319 is provided which extends across the armpits ofthe user. Preferably, the auxiliary portion 319 is releasably attachedto the garment 301 by way of a hook-and-loop type fastener 308, althoughit will be appreciated that a zipper or other suitable means as areknown to the art may be utilized to releasably attach the auxiliaryportion 319 to the lower portion 303 of the garment 301. However,embodiments are also contemplated where the auxiliary portion 319 ispermanently attached to the garment 301.

The garment 301 may have the same general construction as the garment201 depicted in FIGS. 2-3. Like that garment 201, the garment 301 isequipped with one or more compartments 309 which contain athermo-regulating devices.

FIGS. 9-12 illustrate a further particular, non-limiting embodiment of athermogenetic garment made in accordance with the teachings herein. Thegarment 401 depicted therein comprises a lower portion 403 that extendsacross the shoulder blades and spine of the user, and an upper portion405 that extends around the neck of the user. As seen in FIG. 10, a seam408 equipped with a hook and loop type faster, zipper, or other suitablereleasable fastener is provided to allow the garment 401 to be readilypositioned on, or removed from, the body of the user. FIGS. 11 and 12show alternate variations of this embodiment in which the seam 408 ispositioned in different areas of the garment 401.

While the foregoing description has focused primarily on the adaptationof a garment to stimulate adaptive thermogenesis by applying a coolingeffect to brown adipose tissues occurring in the collar bone area, theneck, the upper spine, and the armpit of the user, one skilled in theart will appreciate that, more generally, garments may be made inaccordance with the teachings herein which are adapted to apply acooling effect to brown adipose tissues wherever they may occur in thebody of the user. In some such embodiments, the cooling effect may belocalized to the brown adipose tissues, though embodiments are alsopossible in accordance with the teachings herein which apply such aneffect to a larger area, or even to the entire body of the user.

The above description of the present invention is illustrative, and isnot intended to be limiting. It will thus be appreciated that variousadditions, substitutions and modifications may be made to the abovedescribed embodiments without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should beconstrued in reference to the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A garment, comprising: a first portionconstructed from stretchable material that is form fitting to a user'sphysique and that extends across a collar bone area of the user; and acooling composition disposed in said first portion, said coolingcomposition comprising a material that undergoes a phase change to applya cooling effect to the collar bone area of the user and maintains atemperature of 58° F. for at least three hours.
 2. The garment of claim1, further comprising a second portion that is form fitting to theuser's torso.
 3. The garment of claim 2, wherein said second portion isreleasably attached to said first portion.
 4. The garment of claim 1,wherein said composition is disposed in a single or plurality of phasechange packs.
 5. The exercise garment of claim 1, wherein said coolingcomposition maintains a temperature of 58° F. for at least four hours.6. A garment comprising: a first portion constructed from stretchablematerial that is form fitting to a user's physique and that extendsacross a collar bone area of the user; a cooling composition disposed insaid first portion, said cooling composition comprising a material thatundergoes a phase change to apply a cooling effect to the collar bonearea of the user; a second portion that is form fitting to the user'storso; a cooling packet attachable to said second portion for relativelyfixed location upon the user's physique; and at least one support strapfor distributing the load of said cooling packet about the surface areaof the second portion.
 7. The garment of claim 6, wherein said secondportion comprises a material which is stretchable in a first directionand which resists stretching in a second direction.
 8. The garment ofclaim 7, wherein said second direction is substantially perpendicular tosaid first direction.
 9. The garment of claim 7, wherein said firstdirection is substantially horizontal with respect to an erect user inan arms to the side position, and wherein said second direction issubstantially vertical with respect to an erect user in an arms to theside position.
 10. The garment of claim 9, wherein said support strap isconstructed integrally with said second portion for supporting saidweight packet in the second direction.
 11. The garment of claim 7,further comprising: at least one weight compartment constructedintegrally with said second portion for receiving said cooling packet,wherein said cooling packet is confined within said cooling compartmentso that said cooling packet fits snugly to the user's physique andminimally extends therefrom, and wherein said support strap isconstructed integrally with said weight compartment.
 12. The garment ofclaim 7, further comprising: an outer shell covering portions of saidfirst portion and said cooling packet for securely fixing said coolingpacket's position upon the user; and a plurality of cooling compartmentspositioned upon said first portion so that a plurality of coolingpackets may be selectively distributed about the user.
 13. The garmentof claim 12, wherein said stretchable material from which said secondportion is constructed is breathable spandex or elastic weave thatallows perspiration of the user to pass therethrough thereby providingcomfort to the user, wherein said cooling packets are elastic poucheswith insertable cooling packs, and further comprising an adjustablesecuring band integrally constructed into select cooling compartmentsthat are positioned upon said appendage segment for constriction aboutsaid select cooling compartments.
 14. The garment of claim 6, whereinthe support strap comprises supporting internal stitching or weaving.